Washington (CNN) - Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said she would be "disappointed" in the American electorate if Hillary Clinton becomes a serious candidate for president in 2016.

The 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee argued Clinton would not be right for the role as commander in chief after four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya, died last year in a terrorist attack against a U.S. consulate in Benghazi.Follow @politicaltickerFollow @KilloughCNN

"If (Benghazi) doesn't have an impact on the 2016 presidential election, if she is a candidate, then America, I am very disappointed in our electorate," Palin said Sunday on Fox News, where she's a contributor.

She said "anyone who would just throw away 200 years of military ethos and leave our men behind to be murdered" should "never be considered as a commander in chief."

The lack of security at the consulate and the September 11, 2012 attack are poised to be a major point of contention by Republicans if Clinton decides to run for president. Clinton ultimately took responsibility for diplomats' safety, and was grilled before two congressional committees in January.

At one point she lost her temper while responding to questions from Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin. He was asking her about the erroneous, initial talking points that claimed the attack stemmed from a spontaneous protest against an anti-Islam video, though the administration later defined it as a terrorist attack and said a protest never happened.

"What difference at this point does it make?" Clinton responded. "It is our job to figure out what happened and do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening again, senator."

The attack on Benghazi is still a matter of congressional investigation by House Republicans.

"That's why I'm so grateful for Congress to be pursuing what happened in Benghazi," Palin said. "Because at this point, it still makes a difference what happens in Benghazi."

"Anyone who doesn't understand that and dismisses it as being indifferent, they should not be our commander in chief," she continued.

For her part, Clinton said in a recent interview with New York Magazine that she is in no hurry to decide about a potential 2016 bid for the White House, saying it is a decision "not to be made lightly."

Asked how she plans to combat any conflicts she may face related to her political legacy, she said the best course is to "find common ground."

"I have a lot of reason to believe, as we saw in the 2012 election, most Americans don't agree with the extremists on any side of an issue," Clinton said in the interview. "But there needs to continue to be an effort to find common ground, or even take it to higher ground on behalf of the future."

Palin's comments mark a stark contrast to high praise Clinton received Sunday from House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who said if Clinton decides to run, "she will win."

"And when she becomes president, she'll be one of the best-equipped, best-prepared people to enter the White House in a very long time," Pelosi said on CNN's "State of the Union."

Noting Clinton's experience as secretary of state, as a U.S. senator from New York and as a first lady, Pelosi said Clinton would be "more prepared than President Obama; certainly more prepared than President Bush; certainly more prepared than President Clinton I might admit."

soundoff(1,017 Responses)

Billy

If this was coming from someone who knew where Benghazi was on a map, I would hear her out. She really has no right to be judging anyone else's qualification for president. But she does keep an eye on Russia from her house right?

September 23, 2013 11:15 am at 11:15 am |

h

The failures of our foreign policy in the middle east is extensive under Republicans and Democrats. 240 Marines killed in Lebanon under Reagan. The embassy bombings in Africa. The fiasco in Iraq and Afghanistan. Libya where we did not belong. I do not think Hillary is to blame for Benghazi just our idiotic policy of having no understanding of the countries we interfere in. Palin is not qualified to be President certainly.

September 23, 2013 11:15 am at 11:15 am |

M

A failed politian is making a point at Fox. Should we listen? I should say, she is unfit to express her views but she can at Fox only. It is free country.

September 23, 2013 11:16 am at 11:16 am |

Jim

Sarah Palin: Hillary Clinton ill-suited for president

Look who's talking.

September 23, 2013 11:16 am at 11:16 am |

L.Tutt

Without reading the article just seeing the headline stating Mrs. Clinton is unfix for the White House made me laugh but at the same time gave me pause, Sarah Palin knowledge of ANYTHING extend no further than the glasses in her noise and here Mrs. Palin calling out Hilary Clinton qualification as if they both have travel the same rode.
Sarah Palin is a middle age bag of hot wind that may appear good on the outside but once you open it you will find out what Wisconsin cheese smell like when it gone bad.

September 23, 2013 11:16 am at 11:16 am |

Kornelia

I mean one has to really like this person only because of her humor, she does have humor to actually dare to hae an opinion about Hillary Clinton, a woman who made a difference. Sarah Palin, you have a great sense of humor, you have humorous guts

September 23, 2013 11:17 am at 11:17 am |

Furball

Well, Sarah, we will all just have to learn to live with your disappointment.

September 23, 2013 11:17 am at 11:17 am |

Sassy

Note to Sarah Palin: It is better to be thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt.

September 23, 2013 11:18 am at 11:18 am |

JeanneLH

Where was Sarah when George W.'s administration was so dispised around the world that he advised athletes at the Greek olympics not to fly the American flag...Where was Sarah when a billion dollars in cash was lost in Iraq?...where was Sarah when America invaded two Muslim countries? If all they have is the Benazhgi tragedy...because Hillary brought dignity back to the United States...Condaliza Rice lied to Congress so they could invade Iraq....where were you then Sarah? Not parenting because your daughter got pregnant. You didn't even finish one term as govenor and you think you have a voice?

September 23, 2013 11:18 am at 11:18 am |

budshot

Palin is the worst American today. She lies and spreads constant propaganda (Benghazi!!!).

And she's dumber than a ton of bricks.

The only proof I can see of the existence of a god is the fact that this idiot Palin never got elected with McCain.

September 23, 2013 11:18 am at 11:18 am |

Jeff

Sarah Palin should just go back to Alaska and sit "watching Russia from her front porch"!

September 23, 2013 11:18 am at 11:18 am |

Harry

Palin's disaproval is one of the best endorsement anyone can get!!

September 23, 2013 11:18 am at 11:18 am |

empson13

Ummmmmm.....Sarah palin is THE LAST PERSON that should be making remarks about someone, anyone, being unfit for the White House! Her opinion is dirt until she can name at least TWO of the ALL OF THEM, business magazines that she regularly reads to keep up with Business trends in the United States. Palin is, in my opinion, an idiot of a politician.

September 23, 2013 11:19 am at 11:19 am |

sss

Palin ill-suited to even utter Hilary's name.

September 23, 2013 11:20 am at 11:20 am |

ToldUso

Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, knows incompetence like the half gov.

September 23, 2013 11:21 am at 11:21 am |

commonsense

Hillary Clinton is more than fit for the White House–and I hope she's our next president. Sarah Palin, on the other hand, isn't fit for dog catcher.

September 23, 2013 11:21 am at 11:21 am |

Doug

Dang it. I really didn't want another Clinton as President, but I do the opposite of what Palin says. It has served me well.

No one cares what the unfit 1/2 term governor thinks. Why does the media keep dragging out this totally irrelevant money grubbing huckster.

September 23, 2013 11:22 am at 11:22 am |

miked

Did she think the same of George W on 9/12/01?

September 23, 2013 11:22 am at 11:22 am |

Mark

LOL at this hick rookie calling the MOST qualified woman in politics "ill suited". Palin's political resume: Failed goveror who did not finish term, and failed vice presidential candidate only chosen because Repukes wanted to fool America into thinking they actually support women.

September 23, 2013 11:22 am at 11:22 am |

Mike

Let me get this right; Sarah Palin is commenting on someone's qualifications to be President? Really? How about we comment on her qualifications to be a human being?

September 23, 2013 11:22 am at 11:22 am |

DocHollywood

"..................then America, I am very disappointed in our electorate," ................."
Yeah? Did ya know that most Americans were disappointed when the republican party picked an unknown, dumb, quit-when-it-gets-tough, blame it on everyone else hack from Alaska?

September 23, 2013 11:22 am at 11:22 am |

NonLemmingHuman

It is my greatest desire that we not hear from or about this air head from Alaska again. Can the press please find and report on persons of actual significance?

September 23, 2013 11:23 am at 11:23 am |

tammyleg

Oh Sarah....nice try to regain some relevance in the country and politics. You are still an embarrassment to your party and the people of Alaska. I bet you had no idea where Bengazi even was before you took to your soapbox once again. I almost hope you try to run for office again so you and the rest of the country can get a laugh as your numbers try to reach double digits. Please just go away...it's been nice not having to see or hear from you since the last election.